A phase 1 study of the amino acid modulator pegcrisantaspase and venetoclax for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia.

Glutamine dependency has been shown to be a metabolic vulnerability in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Prior studies using several in vivo AML models showed that depletion of plasma glutamine induced by the long-acting crisantaspase (pegcrisantaspase or PegC) was synergistic with the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax (Ven), resulting in significantly reduced leukemia burden and enhanced survival. Here, we report a phase 1 study (NCT04666649) of Ven and PegC combination (VenPegC) for treating adult patients with relapsed or refractory AML, including patients who had previously received Ven.

Dual targeting of glutamine and serine metabolism in acute myeloid leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematological malignancy characterized by disrupted blood cell production and function. Recent investigations have highlighted the potential of targeting glutamine metabolism as a promising therapeutic approach for AML. Asparaginases, enzymes that deplete circulating glutamine and asparagine, are approved for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but are also under investigation in AML, with promising results.

Immunotherapeutic strategies targeting natural killer T cell responses in cancer.

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a unique subset of lymphocytes that bridge the innate and adaptive immune system. NKT cells possess a classic αβ T cell receptor (TCR) that is able to recognize self and foreign glycolipid antigens presented by the nonclassical class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule, CD1d. Type I NKT cells (referred to as invariant NKT cells) express a semi-invariant Vα14Jα18 TCR in mice and Vα24Jα18 TCR in humans.

Alterations in cellular metabolism modulate CD1d-mediated NKT-cell responses.

Natural killer T (NKT) cells play a critical role in the host's innate immune response. CD1d-mediated presentation of glycolipid antigens to NKT cells has been established; however, the mechanisms by which NKT cells recognize infected or cancerous cells remain unclear. 5(')-AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master regulator of lipogenic pathways.